Portland food news and views
Portland! It’s where I live, work, and play. It’s where the food news happens (at least most of it). This category is one of the real constants on Bridgetown Bites and is probably a part of almost every post on this blog.
It’s that time again—time to see the list of finalists of the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. From this group, the winners will be picked and given their awards later in June.
Continue reading “The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Finalists in Portland”
April 1 is usually reserved for April Fools’ Day, but I have a better idea: Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day on April 1 instead. Here in Portland you can immerse yourself in all things sourdough at the second annual Portland Sourdough Showcase, taking place at Steelport Knife Co. that afternoon. And it’s free to attend!
Continue reading “Head To the Portland Sourdough Showcase This Week in Portland”
Gumba soft reopens Saturday. Great news! Gumba soft reopens at their new location tomorrow at 5pm. You can make your reservation on their Tock page. 2203 NE Alberta Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Gumba Soft Reopens, Sanguiche, Yen Ha, and More”
In late February, a new tapas restaurant called Vya (pronounced “Vye-uh”) opened in the old Palomar space on SE Division. Paella—including a vegan version—is an important part of their menu. They also offer, of course, a variety of tapas, some desserts, as well as cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and no-proof drinks. We had a chance to try some, too.
I chatted with Vy and Steve Chao, the owners of Vya, to learn more about the restaurant, and here is what I learned.
Continue reading “Vya Brings Tapas, Vegan Paella, and More To Southeast Portland”
Passover 2026 begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1 and runs through Thursday, April 9. This Jewish high holiday of liberation is traditionally celebrated with a Seder, a ritual meal held on the first two nights of Passover, where family and friends gather to retell the story of the Exodus. Some of the foods you can expect to see at a Seder include matzo (a flat dry unleavened cracker), bitter herbs, charoset (a paste of nuts, apples, and wine), and four cups of wine.
Continue reading “Passover 2026 in Portland: Eats, Treats, and Celebrations”